Shoxt3r

Thank you both! What would serving and parts costs be like for Octavias and Superbs? My Focus has been pretty cheap to keep running so I'm keen to keep that trait going if possible. For example a minor service on my Focus that I've just had done was only £90. Also, when I see figures like 1.4 it seems pretty small to me (especially if I was to get a 1.4 estate) or do they have a lot more pulling power than they used to? I've not driven an automatic before, mainly because years ago I always thought they took control from the driver...plus were expensive to repair if they went wrong. Is that the case nowadays? For example I knew one guy who had a Honda Accord with an automatic transmission and it blew up costing him thousands to replace it. Yes edwards, that was my concern as well with the DPF vs mileage. Also funnily enough my Dad has a Mondeo which is about 15 years old now - he's loathed to part with it because of the low value it has, but also as he has a decent-sized engine in it. Good call about the Insignias - the one I test drove was ok but it wasn't exactly exciting to look at or drive...the rear's styling looks a bit too bulbous - the facelift is somewhat better in my opinion...

Hi all, I'm looking to get a larger family car as our current 2013 Ford Focus is getting on a bit but also is a bit too small for our needs - it was bought over a year before our (now) 10-month old baby was even planned! Therefore the Focus' boot space isn't sufficient for our Joie DLX pushchair and Britax car seat. The latter has meant the front passenger seat has had to go forward so much so that bascially no-one in the house can fit in the front seat anymore haha I've had a look into Mondeos, Insignias, Octavias and Seat Leons - both hatchback and estate but I'm still undecided what to go for. My budget is £12,000 which is made up of both a loan and Part Exchange on the Focus (have been told that trade exchange is £4,350 but am going to try for at least £4,500 as it's in near-perfect condition with only 44,000 on the clock). The Focus has also just had a fresh MOT which it passed without any faults or even advisories, as well as a minor service. Ideally I'm looking for a car that will last us 5-6 years at least until we decide to upgrade again - e.g. plenty of room for a pushchair and potentially of camping gear and/or holiday bags. So far I haven't had much luck tracking down many of the examples I listed above without resorting to higher mileage examples (60,000+) or going somewhere further afield to look at them (1 hour+ drive). The bottom line is I'm looking for something: Not too old Plenty of space for baby things (car seat, pushchair etc.) Under £12,000 Under 50,000 mileage With Dual Climate Control would be a big plus but not essential, as would cruise control Bear in mind that my average mileage is pretty low on a weekly basis (1 trip to the shops per week so 3-4 miles each way, plus a 25-50 mile trip at weekends) and a 300-mile round trip about twice a year) as I usually commute to work by train. I tried out a 2016 1.6 CDTi Design Nav spec Insignia yesterday which drove really well but didn't quite have all the extras I wanted (ideally dual Climate Control would be useful to keep temperatures optimal for our baby in the back and me up-front). Also, I've read about DPFs which have problems with low mileage which makes me think I should opt for a petrol version instead. Thanks in advance!